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Byron Pederson Interview: Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition

In Finance, Legal on April 23, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Byron Pederson

Byron Pederson

According to Byron Pederson, co-founder of Instant Tax Solutions, the Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition was formed to help keep the industry honest and fair. This, says Byron Pederson, will draw more customers to call upon the services of tax problem resolution firms. Byron Pederson’s Instant Tax Solutions has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a rating that Byron Pederson and his staff have worked hard to develop and maintain over the years. Today, Byron Pederson talks to Presentation Solutions about the upcoming meeting of the National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies.

Presentation Solutions: This is an exciting time for tax problem resolution services. How many are involved in the coalition?

Byron Pederson: The coalition has 46 members at the moment, most of whom are CPAs and legal counsel, all coming together to maintain integrity in the industry.

Presentation Solutions: What types of members are represented?

Byron Pederson: TPRSC members reside and work all over the country, representing taxpayers and tax resolution services nationwide.

Presentation Solutions: What speakers can attendees expect to hear from at the conference?

Byron Pederson: The conference will feature the director of the IRS’s office of professional responsibility, Karen Hawkins.

Presentation Solutions: What will be the topic of her presentation?

Byron Pederson: She’ll give us the IRS’s perspective on the problem of tax problem resolution services that are operating in a shady manner.

Presentation Solutions: She’ll also speak positively on the IRS’s perspective on tax professionals who operate positively on behalf of taxpayers in front of the IRS.

Byron Pederson: Yes, it has always been the philosophy of everyone who works for Instant Tax Solutions to maintain professionalism at all times. Karen Hawkins will address the importance of professionalism in the field.

Presentation Solutions: Who else will be presenting at the conference?

Byron Pederson: Larry Lawler, who will be speaking on policies and procedures the IRS has that help regulate the industry.

Presentation Solutions: There will also be a lobbyist present, correct?

Byron Pederson: Yes, Mark Guimond will discuss several pieces of legislation that affect our industry, including a bill that impacts telemarketing, which is currently on hold.

Presentation Solutions: When is the meeting and how does someone get more information?

Byron Pederson: The meeting will be May 20-21 in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102151047883-114/DC+2012.pdf

Byron Pederson is co-founder of Instant Tax Solutions, providing tax relief to taxpayers in need. As a leader in the industry, Byron Pederson is dedicated to eradicating fraud in the industry to maintain the integrity of the tax resolution industry nationwide. Byron Pederson is proud to be a part of the Tax Problem Resolution Services Coalition. For more information about Instant Tax Solutions, visit them online at www.instanttaxsolutions.com

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The Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team Discusses Tax Relief Options

In Attorney, Law Firm, Legal on March 26, 2012 at 5:08 am
Instant Tax Solutions Reviews

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews

Can back taxes owed get resolved? The Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team says yes and insists that now taxpayers have more options than ever. In today’s exclusive interview, the Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team tells Presentation Solutions exactly what programs are available.

Presentation Solutions: Good morning. Let’s get started. Can you tell us what options the IRS offers for back tax relief?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: There are four main programs: Innocent Spouse, Penalty Abatement, Installment Agreements, and Offer in Compromise.

Presentation Solutions: Tell us a little about Innocent Spouse.

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: Basically, if a spouse is not aware that their partner has filed erroneous claims and incurs life-altering charges as a result, then the IRS may be willing to offer some forgiveness.

Presentation Solutions: What other types of relief are there for married couples?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: There are also programs targeted at those with understated tax issues and Equitable Relief.

Presentation Solutions: Moving along, you mentioned Penalty Abatement. Tell us more.

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: This is a fairly difficult form of relief. This actually does not take the original liability away.

Presentation Solutions: It doesn’t? How does it help?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: If accepted, this program will remove a portion–or all–of the penalties incurred during the time the tax debt was not paid.

Presentation Solutions: Why is it difficult to get approved?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: There must be extenuating circumstances involved, such as major illness or another abrupt disruption in the taxpayer’s life. Installment Agreements are more common than abatements.

Presentation Solutions: Really?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: Yes. Far more taxpayers will qualify for an installment agreement. This is similar to a credit card bill, with a set minimum payment each month until the balance is $0.

Presentation Solutions: Are there any programs that reduce the principal balance?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: Yes. That would be the OIC, or Offer in Compromise, program.

Presentation Solutions: What is that?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: This program allows the IRS to actually reduce the amount owed to a sum that they can reasonably expect to collect.

Presentation Solutions: What situations warrant an OIC?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: If the IRS believes they will never collect the full amount or if a severe hardship would occur as a result of paying the balance.

Presentation Solutions: A severe hardship?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: Yes. For instance, if the individual has the means – the assets – to fulfill his debt but then his or her family’s well-being would suffer.

Presentation Solutions: So this is only for the public – not businesses?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: If a business would be forced to close and that business is a taxpayer’s income source, there is a chance it would qualify for an OIC/Hardship.

Presentation Solutions: And what about actually filing back tax returns?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: Before any of the previously mentioned relief programs can even be considered, the IRS expects all tax records to be completed.

Presentation Solutions: How does a taxpayer know which years are needed?

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: That is where we come in. Instant tax Solutions reviews our client’s previous year’s taxes for them.

Presentation Solutions: That sounds like a lot of work.

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: It is. That is why many taxpayers just leave their debt unchecked.

Presentation Solutions: It’s good to have an experienced tax professional on your side.

Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team: Absolutely. We certainly recommend it!

Presentation Solutions: Well, that is all the time we have today. Thank you again. We always look forward to speaking with you – especially as tax season gets closer and closer.

Instant Tax Solutions reviews this and other IRS information for educational purposes only. The information provided by the Instant Tax Solutions Reviews Team is not intended to replace the advice of a seasoned tax professional.

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Arthur van der Vant Points Out Benefits of a Receiver’s Sale

In Legal on March 21, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Arthur van der Vant

Arthur van der Vant

Illinois receiver and assignee Mr. Arthur van der Vant spoke recently with Presentation Solutions staff regarding his ideas for helping both the real estate market and the judicial system handle foreclosure proceedings.

Presentation Solutions: Thank you, Arthur van der Vant for taking the opportunity to speak with us. Can you talk to us about the benefits of a Receiver’s sale?

Arthur van der Vant:I’ll be happy to. A Receiver, under the Court’s supervision, could conduct an auction sale of mortgaged real estate similarly to a Trustee in Bankruptcy who liquidates the estate to pay creditors.

Presentation Solutions:Is this normally a requirement?

Arthur van der Vant:The Receiver’s Sale couldbe carried out by Agreed Order, or it couldbe mandated by the Court, at a Judge’s discretion.

Presentation Solutions:What sort of benefits does it offer?

Arthur van der Vant:A Receiver’s Sale couldprovide a quicker resolution to foreclosure complaints currently on file.  Receiver’s Sales have the potential to shorten the cycle of foreclosure proceedings by months and they can decrease the caseload on the Courts, as well as on the amount of properties being offered for sale at the Judicial Sale.

Presentation Solutions:And judicial sales generally do not generate much result since most properties are taken back by mortgage lenders, correct?

Arthur van der Vant:Yes, that’s right. Additionally, a Receiver’s Sale allows mortgaged real estate to be sold via auction during the pending foreclosure proceedings, subject to Court’s approval.

Presentation Solutions:Would this be instead of a foreclosure?

Arthur van der Vant:It would not interfere with the foreclosure proceedings and it would be conducted parallel to it.   In the event a Receiver’s Sale is not approved by the Court, the mortgaged real estate would still sell at a Judicial Sale.

Presentation Solutions:How would the sale take place?

Arthur van der Vant:A Receiver’s Sale conducted via Auction Method would allow for an arms-length, impartial transaction, where the only discrimination is the amount of money an able, willing, and ready buyer wouldpay for the mortgaged real estate.

Presentation Solutions:Why do you think that a Receiver’s Sale would bring in more money than Judicial Sales?

Arthur van der Vant:  Because a Receiver’s Sale could be more flexible.  For example as the foreclosure case is still pending, the Closing could occur within 30 or 45 days after the Receiver’s Sale date.

Presentation Solutions:That makes sense; it would allow the bidder/buyer time to obtain regular mortgage financing.

Arthur van der Vant:Yes.In contrast, Judicial Sales require 10% deposit at the time of bidding and the balance within 24 hours, which is a huge limitation for the majority of buyers and it limits the pool of prospective buyers to a few investors who pay cash and are looking for a high returns on their investment.

Presentation Solutions:So it sounds like, by matter of circumstance, the judicial sale is generally only a good idea for an investor since they usually have more cash in hand.

Arthur van der Vant:A “user buyer” who couldbuy with a downpayment and obtain mortgage financing for the balance of the purchase pricewill always pay more than an investor would.

Presentation Solutions:Are there other reasons that you believe that this type of sale is beneficial?

Arthur van der Vant:Receiver’s Sales would bring higher sales prices than Judicial Sales that are conducted at the end of the foreclosure process, because they could be better advertised.  For example, as the foreclosure case is still pending the Receiver could list the upcoming auction of mortgaged real estate in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and offer a commission to all Illinois Real Estate Brokers who may have a bidder/buyer.

Presentation Solutions:Real estate agents charge fees, would that not offset the benefit of the sale?

Arthur van der Vant:As a part of the Receiver’s Sale, the Receiver could charge a “Buyer’s Premium” to offset the broker’s commission.  In such an arrangement there would be no additional cost and the commission would be funded by the buyers themselves.

Presentation Solutions:Who does the Receiver’s Sale benefit?

Arthur van der Vant:A Receiver’s Sale would benefit Plaintiffs and Defendants by allowing the mortgaged real estate to be sold much sooner and for more money.  Shorter time span of a foreclosure proceeding would save court costs and fees for all parties.

Presentation Solutions:What about the court system that handles the legalities of a foreclosure?

Arthur van der Vant:Receiver’s Sales would benefit the Court by reducing the amount of pending cases and they would provide an efficient outlet to those property owners who want to sell their real estate.

Presentation Solutions:It sounds like what you’re saying is that Receiver’s Sales would open up the pool of foreclosed properties to the general public and they would benefit those “User Buyers” who are not investors.

Arthur van der Vant: Yes, exactly. I hope that I have clearly demonstrated here that the idea of Receiver’s Sale would save money and be a direct benefit to borrowers, lenders, and the Court adding efficiency, productivity, and cost savings.

Arthur van der Vant is a receiver and assignee based in Cook County, Illinois. He is an expert in real estate and corporate turnaround management with over 10,000 projects to his credit. As a member of several professional organizations, including the Turnaround Management Association and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, Arthur van der Vant is up to date on every aspect of his profession. He is one of only a handful of Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), and has trained at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC. Currently, Arthur van der Vant practices at his firm, Illinois Receiver.

 

For more information or to contact Arthur van der Vant, please call 800-496-9107
2714 N. Ashland Ave. FL1 | Chicago, IL 60614- 1106 | United States

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Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law Reports: James Williams Named “Father of the Year” by Jack and Jill of America

In Law Firm, Legal on May 22, 2011 at 5:10 am

James Williams of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law has a consistent record of service in the community. In the fall of 2010, James Williams of the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law firm was once again recognized for his work outside of work. Jack and Jill of America recognized the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law partner as “Father of the Year.”

In a released statement, Williams, the Head of Litigation at Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law stated, “I am humbled to receive this award from Jack and Jill of America.” The Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law partner continued, “This is truly an honor given.” Jack and Jill of America, according to James Williams of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law, has a “distinguished membership, rich history, proud traditions and extraordinary work in the community.”

The law partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law explained that Jack and Jill of America is an elite and “highly selective organization of mothers who nurture future leaders” by strengthening children ages 2 – 19. “This strengthening,” said the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law partner “is done through legislative advocacy, philanthropic giving, and community service.” According to James Williams of the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, Jack and Jill of America is the oldest African American family organization in the United States. Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams’ James Williams added that the organization boasts a membership base of more than 9500 families. “It is a huge organization and a huge deal for me to receive such an honoring award,” said the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law attorney.

“In 2008,” said the New Orleans attorney for Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law, “my wife was inducted into the Jack and Jill organization.” The Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law partner and his wife have two “lovely and wonderful” daughters. “Family is so very important to me,” continued the successful Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law attorney. “I am so proud of all three of my girls – two daughters and my beautiful wife,” added the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law partner.

Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law firm’s James Williams ended his statement concerning his award saying that he would “continue to be Jack and Jill’s ally in their efforts to ensure a bright future for all children regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.”

For more information about the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, visit them online at http://www.ghwlegal.com.

About Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams Law

The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has redefined the meaning of excellence in legal representation of clients. Nationally and internationally respected for many years, the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams is a continuation of the Gauthier firm that gained major prominence with a landmark decision for clients devastated by the 1980 fire at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. That wrongful death suit is only one milestone on a list that includes over $85 million in insurance recoveries for victims of Hurricane Katrina, $13 million for the families following a major airline crash, and the landmark $246 billion negotiated deal with tobacco companies concerning their hidden knowledge of the dangerous consequences of tobacco smoke.

On an international level, successful decisions won by the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm and its founder, the late nationally respected trial attorney Wendell Gauthier, include a $9.25 million breach of contract settlement in El Salvador and intervention on behalf of victims exposed to poisonous contamination in Bhopal, India. Since 2003, the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has collected over $138 million for businesses and individual clients, representing negotiated contracts totaling over one quarter of a billion dollars.

The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams was one of the first in America to establish the use of mock trials. With a retired judge presiding, a jury of peers selected from the area of trial and set within a simulated courtroom, the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm is able to try a case before it ever goes to court. Using modern day technology, legal experts are able to adjust their strategies depending upon the reaction of the mock jury in deliberation. As well, the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm shares jury deliberation videos with opposing counsel to facilitate settlement. Over the years, the strategy of mock jury deliberation video sharing has recovered over $4 billion for clients.

The Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm continues to redefine excellence by boasting some of the top legal talent in the nation. Wendell Gauthier, law firm founder, was ranked one of the “Nations Top 10 Litigation Lawyers” and named three times to the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” by National Law Journal. His legal acumen and success was featured in two major book publications and was the motivation for the central character in John Grisham’s hit book and movie, “The Runaway Jury.”

In 2005, Managing Partner John Houghtaling was named to the leadership position of the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams. Mr. Houghtaling was named to the 2010 edition of Louisiana Super Lawyers, an honor that is achieved by peer recognition and professional achievement in twelve indicating areas. Only ten years prior, Mr. Houghtaling had embarked on his career with the Gauthier law firm by moving boxes in the file room. Now, at the age of 39, Mr. Houghtaling has negotiated for his individual clients of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm an astonishing $100 million dollars.

The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams has been widely recognized for its legal excellence in the areas of product liability, wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance disputes, class actions and labor and employment disputes. The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams also dominates in the areas of business, civil, commercial, complex, gaming, and hurricane litigation.

Legal representation is not the only area in which the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm redefines excellence. Whether it is participation in the Louis A. Martinet Society promoting social justice for the community and legal profession, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, or charity work following Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams law firm believes in serving the community with excellence. Working in and supporting the New Orleans community is extremely important to John Houghtaling and the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams.

For more information about the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling, and Williams, visit them online at http://www.ghwlegal.com or call (504) 456-8600.

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John W. Houghtaling: Supporting the Future is Important

In Law Firm, Legal on March 29, 2011 at 12:38 pm

John W. Houghtaling

“There were people along the way that helped me,” says John W. Houghtaling.  And according to the New Orleans-based attorney, “it’s now my honor to invest in the future and help children and students along in their journey.”  John W. Houghtaling and the law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams have invested in the future in numerous ways including the fields of culinary and law.

“It was and is important to bring awareness to the culinary culture and talent of New Orleans,” explains John W. Houghtaling.  John W. Houghtaling, managing partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams, co-sponsored a fundraising dinner for Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation held last summer.  The Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation, according to John W. Houghtaling, assists young chefs from America who are preparing for the biannual Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest held in France.

When Jerome Bocuse made contact with John W. Houghtaling seeking a way to support young chefs, the lawyer said yes to the opportunity. “Jerome had a desire to put a spotlight on New Orleans cuisine,” comments John W. Houghtaling.  At the fundraising dinner, reports John W. Houghtaling, the all-star chefs executed six courses in under two hours.  The fundraising occasion for Bocuse d’Or USA “raised $50,000.00 that championed American chefs and assisted in their culinary education” adds John W. Houghtaling. The law firm of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams was proud to participate,” notes John W. Houghtaling.

Continuing a commitment to the future, John W. Houghtaling and James Williams of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams recently made a contribution of $50,000.00 to Loyola Law School.  “We gave the money to help build a new career services office,” states John W. Houghtaling.  The new office, according John W. Houghtaling, can provide information concerning job placement following law school.  “This office will help graduates begin and close the process of finding legal employment upon graduation,” adds John W. Houghtaling.  “We have all been there, education loans coming due, wondering where we could find our first legal ‘gig’,” recalls John W. Houghtaling.

Upon receiving the donation, the law school chose to rename the office the Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams career services office.  “We were humbled to have it renamed after the founder of this firm,” concludes John W. Houghtaling.

John W. Houghtaling is the Managing Partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams. For more information, visit the firm’s website online at http://ghwlegal.com.

 

About John W. Houghtaling

Loving the drama of the courtroom would lead John W. Houghtaling from modest means and background to managing partner and ownership of the prestigious Gauthier firm in New Orleans, now renamed Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams.

It was at Emory where John W. Houghtaling had first heard the name Wendell Gauthier.  While at College his mother sent him a newspaper article about pending big tobacco litigation and the famed attorney, John W. Houghtaling would remember the name some time later.  A fellow Loyola law school student was bragging about his work with the nationally known Gauthier firm.  John W. Houghtaling pressed for details only to find that the classmate had done manual labor, not legal work.  Yet the enterprising John W. Houghtaling saw a door of opportunity where most would have not, and took the next step.

Wearing a suit and tie and carrying his laptop, John W. Houghtaling reported to work at the Gauthier firm, moving boxes for $8.00 an hour.  And though he was told he looked “silly” and that he should dress more appropriately for the job, John W. Houghtaling dressed for success – every day – to move boxes.  One day, that dress-for-success mentality paid off when the legendary Wendell Gauthier was unsuccessfully looking for a lawyer to write a letter.  John W. Houghtaling stepped up and offered his writing services.  The rest is history.

Starting at 6 AM everyday and ending his day after everyone else had left the office, John W. Houghtaling, in the next step of his life as an attorney for the Gauthier firm, was a tireless worker.  Passionate about his work and able to choose the cases in which he was interested, John W. Houghtaling began showing Wendell Gauthier and the other partners his value and keen legal mind.  Yet something would happen that would devastate both the Gauthier firm – and John.

In 2001, after a brief battle with liver cancer, Wendell Gauthier died at the age of 58.  The loss of his mentor precipitated the unseen next step for John W. Houghtaling.  While the other partners of the Gauthier firm bickered over leadership roles, John W. Houghtaling continued his tireless work.  Bringing in new clients, hiring his own staff from people who had been laid off by the stagnating Gauthier firm and even tapping the partnership of James Williams, John W. Houghtaling saw his next opportunity.  With the blessing of the Gauthier family and enough money, clients and staff, John W. Houghtaling purchased the law firm in which just ten years earlier, he had carried books.

In 2005, at the age of 33, John W. Houghtaling became managing partner of Gauthier, Houghtaling and Williams.

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Stephanie Izen Discusses Top 3 FREE Money Management Applications for BlackBerry

In Finance, Law Firm, Legal on March 10, 2011 at 8:58 pm

Stephanie Izen

Stephanie Izen

According to Stephanie Izen, one of the most useful groups of BlackBerry apps is made up of money management apps. Consumers can download apps that help manage bills, make budgets, or read financial news, reports Stephanie Izen. There are also apps that allow individuals to perform banking transactions or manage their investment portfolios, notes Stephanie Izen.

Stephanie Izen recommends the following free money management apps for the BlackBerry:

1. Personal Assistant BBM. According to Stephanie Izen, with the Personal Assistant BBM app, a person can bring all of their financial information to their BlackBerry. The app allows users to consolidate all of their bank accounts and investment accounts in one place, explains Stephanie Izen. Once it is setup to access the user’s information online, reports Stephanie Izen, the app handles all data entry and account syncing tasks automatically. Stephanie Izen notes that the app also sends out due date reminders for bills. The Personal Assistant makes it much easier to remember to pay bills on time, concludes Stephanie Izen.

2. CNBC Pro. Stephanie Izen recommends this app to investors looking for real-time market information and up-to-the-minute financial news. BlackBerry users can get real-time streaming stock quotes, reports Stephanie Izen, and the latest market data on stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, etc.  Investors can sign up for customized price alerts and news alerts, states Stephanie Izen, as well as watch CNBC TV.

3. ProOnGo Expense with Receipt Reader. Stephanie Izen recommends this BlackBerry app for storing and managing expenses. Users can take pictures of receipts on the fly, says Stephanie Izen, and the app will organize them in customized categories. Then the program creates informative, useful reports, states Stephanie Izen. The reports can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet or synced with QuickBooks Online Edition, concludes Stephanie Izen.

About Stephanie Izen
Stephanie Izen is a financial and legal “hybrid” – an executive leader who utilizes financial analysis, business acumen, and legal expertise to help businesses thrive. Stephanie Izen may be reached at stephanieizen@yahoo.com.


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Liberty Settlements Suggests 3 Ways To Avoid Bankruptcy

In Legal on April 1, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Every week, the experts at Liberty Settlements talk with individuals who are in the throes of severe financial difficulty. Liberty Settlements reports that increasing numbers of citizens are opting to file bankruptcy in an effort to reduce stressful financial pressures but that many choose this solution too early, and sometimes without considering suitable bankruptcy alternatives.

According to Liberty Settlements, several options exist if you do not wish to declare bankruptcy. Typically, the most popular option is obtaining a debt-consolidation loan and using it to pay off all existing credit lines. In other words, debt consolidation means acquiring a new, unsecured loan and using those funds to pay off other outstanding debts.

Liberty Settlements says that an unsecured debt consolidation loan will help you consolidate all your unsecured debt and avoid bankruptcy. Choosing this route may save you hundreds of dollars per month when you use loan proceeds to pay off existing debt – especially if that debt is in the form of high rate credit cards. While many individuals utilize home equity loan funds to pay off or pay down high interest debt, Liberty Settlements points out that it is not necessary to own a home in order to qualify for a debt consolidation loan.

Debt consolidation loans may be repaid over a longer term at lower interest rates, informs Liberty Settlements, and so your monthly repayments are lower. If the loan is collateralized by a home or other real estate, then the interest rate and payments may be even lower, adds Liberty Settlements.

But Liberty Settlements cautions that it’s important to compare the benefits vs. risks of a debt consolidation loan before signing on the dotted line. You may want to seek professional assistance from a debt settlement service like Liberty Settlements. The decision on which option will meet your needs best will depend on whether you qualify for low mortgage rates on debt consolidation loans as well as just how much debt you need to consolidate.

True, says Liberty Settlements, borrowing for debt consolidation immediately eliminates multiple debt bills every month. You won’t receive calls and letters from creditors every week. Your credit rating will not be further damaged, in fact you will probably see it begin to improve. You’ll save money with lower interest payments and once credit cards and other debt is paid off, you have the hope of a new beginning and can create a budget to live frugally and wisely.

Debt consolidation can be a valuable tool, assisting in managing and reducing your debt, especially if you’ve been unsuccessful in doing that on your own. There is no way that you can completely fix bad credit without the ability to reduce debt and pay your bills on time. However, once your debt has reached a certain level, this can seem almost impossible to accomplish.

A credit counselor at Liberty Settlements can provide you with other options, including debt management plans and debt settlement programs. Call Liberty Settlements today for more information at 877-269-0288.

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Liberty Settlements | Provides Assistance When Needed | Liberty Settlements

In Legal on August 12, 2009 at 4:51 pm

Liberty Settlements Provides Assistance When You Need It – By Liberty Settlements

Do you feel pinched by your credit card company even after years of consistent payments?  You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.  The good news is that there is help out there.  My assistance came in the form of Liberty Settlements of Houston, TX.
When this financial crisis struck the country, people nationwide were caught in a position of unemployment after years of consistent work.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I didn’t get laid off, but I got laid back.  My hours and my pay were cut about 25%.  At first my wife and I worried about making ends meet. I was still paying our basic monthly bills like rent and utilities.  I could still buy groceries.  Then the unthinkable happened.
My credit card company, to address my lost wages – get this – actually hiked my interest rate up!  Next thing I knew my minimum payment was nearly twice what I was used to.  It was only a matter of time before I ended up broke; there was no way to keep up.  I was at the end of my rope.  My phone was ringing off the hook from insistent creditors.  After a few low weeks, I decided I wasn’t going to live like this.
I did some research on the Internet and discovered Liberty Settlements.  Liberty Settlements is a debt negotiation firm that is helping me pull out of the pit of debt my credit card company has placed me in.  Liberty Settlements also relieved me of a lot of stress.  You see, they do the calling and haggling with the credit card companies.  I stop getting hounded.  And while I follow a savings plan, Liberty is negotiating a settlement with my creditors.

Do you feel pinched by your credit card company even after years of consistent payments?  You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.  The good news is that there is help out there.  My assistance came in the form of Liberty Settlements of Houston, TX.

When this financial crisis struck the country, people nationwide were caught in a position of unemployment after years of consistent work.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I didn’t get laid off, but I got laid back.  My hours and my pay were cut about 25%.  At first my wife and I worried about making ends meet. I was still paying our basic monthly bills like rent and utilities.  I could still buy groceries.  Then the unthinkable happened.

My credit card company, to address my lost wages – get this – actually hiked my interest rate up!  Next thing I knew my minimum payment was nearly twice what I was used to.  It was only a matter of time before I ended up broke; there was no way to keep up.  I was at the end of my rope.  My phone was ringing off the hook from insistent creditors.  After a few low weeks, I decided I wasn’t going to live like this.

I did some research on the Internet and discovered Liberty Settlements. Liberty Settlements is a debt negotiation firm that is helping me pull out of the pit of debt my credit card company has placed me in.  Liberty Settlements also relieved me of a lot of stress.  You see, they do the calling and haggling with the credit card companies.  I stop getting hounded.  And while I follow a savings plan, Liberty is negotiating a settlement with my creditors.

Soon the credit card company will accept my offer through Liberty Settlements, at a much lower payoff than what I initially owed.  I will pay that settled amount from my savings plan.  My credit rating will survive, and I will be debt free.  I don’t think my wife and I could have accomplished this whole process without Liberty Settlements.

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Liberty Settlements | Provides Critical Solutions | Liberty Settlements

In Legal on August 4, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Liberty Settlements Continues to Provide Critical Solutions – By Liberty Settlements

Credit card companies depend on consumers who struggle to pay off  debt.  They actively look for consumers who submit minimum payments each month.  Those of us who survive this way are familiar with the feelings of stress, discomfort, and even shame that this type of usury creates.  Liberty Settlements knows this and they can help stop it.

The market crashed.  Jobs evaporated.  Consumers have less money now than ever.  At this critical moment, credit card companies have chosen to cut throats – our throats.  The throats of the same customers they’ve been generating income from, for years.  They’ve mercilessly raised interest rates and the required minimum payments are now much higher. Unless we know about companies like Liberty Settlements, we will never get the pressure off our lives.

Who can we turn to, the government?  The government bailout may be aiding the banks that run the credit card companies, but it’s not helping the little guy.  The government is not doing a thing that eliminates the pressure of the average consumer.  What about credit counselors?  Credit counselors are going to tell us what we already know, maybe give us some free therapy while we moan about our debt problems, but offer no critical solutions.

It’s time to look into debt settlement.  Debt settlement firms, like Liberty Settlements, provide the same services to individual consumers that have been available to companies for decades – clearing debts.

Liberty Settlements knocks heads with the credit card powerhouses, negotiating a settlement with them on our behalf.  The folks at Liberty Settlements run interference for us, confronting predatory credit card companies.  In turn, this gives consumers elbow room to save some money to satisfy creditors.  By the time Liberty Settlements is done negotiating, their clients will usually pay half or less of what they initially owed the credit card companies.  Voila!  Liberty Settlements provides a real solution.

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Matt Mullhofer | Financial Privacy Steps | Matt C Mullhofer

In Legal on July 24, 2009 at 7:05 pm

Twelve Steps to Financial Privacy – By Matt Mullhofer

  1. Never release your social security number.  Only release your social security number when it is absolutely necessary says Matt Mullhofer.
  2. Use a corporation or another entity for major transactions.
  3. Avoid writing checks because they leave an extensive paper trail.
  4. According to Matt Mullhofer when investing offshore, ensure that you are in compliance with all laws and reporting requirements.
  5. Only disclose what is necessary to financial institutions.
  6. Maximize the bearer transactions that are not reported under your name.
  7. Use financial professionals that will keep your financial information confidential.  Attorneys are bound to keep all of your information confidential.
  8. Always have your accountant work through your lawyer to insure confidentiality told Matt Mullhofer.
  9. Use a post office box or drop box for mail correspondence.
  10. Avoid using safety deposit boxes, use private vaults instead.
  11. Prepare a living trust to bequeath your property.  This will avoid the high cost associated with probate as well as any loss of privacy.
  12. Arrange your investments so that you can provide the least possible amount of financial information.

About Matt Mullhofer

Matt Mullhofer has been practicing law since 1999, and has owned and operated the Law Office of Matt Mullhofer, PC since 2000. The goal of Matt Mullhofer is to provide professional legal services to the clients of ProtectMyAssets.

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